Man from Middleton arrested after allegedly importing fentanyl purchased on the Dark Web

A South Australian man who allegedly tried to import seven packages of illicit fentanyl, purchased on the Dark Web, has been arrested in Middleton.

A South Australian man who allegedly accessed the Dark Web to import seven packages of illicit drugs has been arrested.

Australian Border Force officers first found a package containing fentanyl powder in March.

Following investigations from the South Australian Joint Agency Ice Strike Team (JAIST), a further six packages were intercepted.

The total importations amounted to approximately 4.8 grams of fentanyl.

Police on Thursday searched the 56-year-old man’s home in Middleton near Victor Harbor and arrested him.

The South Australian Joint Agency Ice Strike Team (JAIST) has charged a 56-year-old Middleton man with allegedly importing multiple consignments of Fentanyl into Australia. https://t.co/LUfxIqLfVe

— AFP (@AusFedPolice) July 12, 2019

It is alleged he purchased the drugs through the Dark Web, a collection of websites notorious for illegal activity that can only be accessed on an encrypted network. It cannot be found using traditional web browsers.

AFP Co-ordinator Operations, Detective Acting Superintendent Andrew Rogers said the importation of fentanyl can be extremely dangerous to parcel handlers and bystanders.

“This investigation should be a lesson to those individuals and groups attempting to import these drugs into Australia,” he said in a statement.

“The AFP and its JAIST partners will target you and will stop you from causing harm to our communities.”

The South Australian JAIST has arrested a 57-year-old from Middleton over drug importation charges.

Fentanyl is traditionally used as a pain-relief drug that is safe when prescribed by a medical practitioner.

SA Chief Inspector Tony Crameri said police are concerned about the emerging use of illicit fentanyl, which can be absorbed through skin, inhalation or ingestion.

“Contact with even a minute amount of fentanyl carries a significant risk of accidental opioid overdose,” he said.

The man was bailed to appear in court on 14 August 2019.

Originally published as Man from Middleton arrested after allegedly importing fentanyl purchased on the Dark Web